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The recently discovered tainted pet food is affecting High Country pets and their owners. Wayne Cannon’s four-year-old dog, Oreo used to accompanying him on walks, ride his shoulders on strolls through the farmer’s market, even play basketball.

These days, Oreo has spent her time in and out of Veterinary care. She is home now, but remains on an IV for treatment of kidney failure. Wayne prays she will make it through. She has a 50/50 chance. Oreo’s Vet, Dr. Howard Johnson of Boone Animal Clinic, says he’s treated about a half dozen cats and dogs in the past week for kidney failure, an above average number. Kidney failure is the key symptom of pets who’ve eaten any of Menu Foods 95 brands tainted with the rodent poison Aminopterin. Johnson said two of those animal’s owners could confirm that their pets had eaten food from the tainted batches. He says the others showed symptoms of the poisoning, but their owners cannot confirm the batches numbers of the food they ate. According to The Veterinary Information Network, the tainted food has caused more than 471 cases of pet kidney failure and 104 animal deaths nationwide. Menu Foods has not confirmed how the poison got into the recalled batches of 95 brands of cuts and gravy style dog and cat food. Check the affected foods at www.menufoods.com Not all animals respond to the food the same way. Wayne Cannon says he has another dog that buried her food for a while. He didn’t realize the food was tainted until Oreo got sick. Dr. Johnson advises all pet owners to give their pets only dry pet food, regardless of the batch or brand. If your pet will only eat soft food, he recommends a mix of cooked rice and boiled chicken, turkey or hamburger for up to for up to eight weeks. Boiling the meat will help remove unhealthy fats. After eight weeks, the pet will need additional vitamins. Johnson says symptoms of the food poisoning are lethargy or lack of energy, vomiting, increased thirst and urination. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from these symptoms, take them to your vet for testing immediately. The sooner a pet is diagnosed, the better their chances for a successful recovery. Wayne Cannon raises another good point. Keep pet foods out of toddler’s reach.